Can Electric Cars Help Automakers Reach 55 MPG?

Consumers still have "range anxiety", the fear that electric cars won't get them to and from their destinations on one charge. NPR looks at the attitudes that are still keeping people from investing in electric vehicles.

1 minute read

November 21, 2011, 12:00 PM PST

By Cathie Pagano

NPR's Glinton says, "under fuel-economy rules announced by the White House this summer, cars will have to get an average of 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025 - nearly double the current average. Reaching that goal will take not only feats of engineering but also changing how Americans think about their cars and how they drive them."

Glinton notes that electric cars will require change in consumer habits which so far has not proved to be what consumers want.

"Not that much has changed with electric cars in more than a hundred years. Casey says if they're to be widely adopted, it's drivers themselves - and their habits - that will need to change."

Thanks to Cathie Pagano

FULL STORY: Can Electric Cars Help Automakers Reach 55 MPG?

Monday, November 21, 2011 in NPR Morning Edition

Environment Government / Politics Infrastructure Technology United States Electric Vehicle Fuel Consumption View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.